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< Back to News RoomMarch 12, 2025
Jewish Groups Speak Out Against Online Hate by Brantford's Leslie Bory
After urging for Leslie Bory to receive the maximum penalty for his crimes of advocating genocide, wilful promotion of hate and uttering threats - targeting the Jewish community as well as police and politicians - Jewish groups expressed disappointment in the judge's decision to give him a time-served sentence of about two years plus one more year of probation.
"This sentence … sends a troubling message about the consequences of promoting hatred and violence," said Jaime Kirzner-Roberts, FSWC Senior Director of Policy and Advocacy. "Advocating genocide is one of the most serious crimes imaginable. Once again, the Jewish community is left with the disturbing impression that threats to our safety are not being met with the seriousness they deserve by Canada's justice system."
Toronto Police Apologize, Delete Podcast That Saw Officers Credit Oct. 7 Terror Attacks for Leading People to Convert to Islam
The Toronto Police Service (TPS) and Chief Myron Demkiw have issued an apology after the Jewish community expressed outrage over a now-deleted police-produced podcast episode in which two constables made a number of questionable comments. The officers condemned those who refer to Toronto’s anti-Israel protests as "pro-Hamas" despite the fact Hamas and other terror groups have been consistently promoted and glorified at these protests through chants, signs, flags and other symbols. The officers also stated that the terror attack of October 7 had the positive impact of raising interest in and conversions to Islam.
In an online statement, FSWC said, "While we appreciate TPS's recognition that the content of the podcast caused 'significant upset and concern in the Jewish community and beyond,' we await further clarity on the concrete steps to be taken to ensure such a situation is never repeated."
Canadian Jewish Groups Underwhelmed by National Forum for Combatting Antisemitism
Canadian Jewish groups in the country were unimpressed with the recent National Forum on Combatting Antisemitism, saying the measures were too little, too late in the face of rising violence. Measures included adding $10 million to a program aimed at helping community groups counter hatred and violent extremism, $26.8 million over four years to provide training to police colleges and $1.4 million for Holocaust remembrance initiatives.
Toronto's 'Bubble Zone' Bylaw to Block Protests Outside Certain Spaces to Be Delayed Indefinitely
The new bylaw to block protesters outside places of worship and other vulnerable institutions, in response to a wave of protests spurred by the Oct. 7 attack on Israel and the resulting war in Gaza, was supposed to be ready by the end of March. City staff now say they can't meet that deadline, as they seek further public input.
Air Canada Blames 'Display Issue' After In-Flight Map of Israel Relabeled as 'Palestinian Territories'
Air Canada said it is "working with the third-party provider on a remedy" after passengers on a recent flight discovered that Israel was removed from the in-flight interactive map and relabeled as the Palestinian Territories.
Nova Festival Exhibit Honouring Victims, Survivors of Hamas Attacks to Make Canadian Debut in Toronto
The Nova Music Festival Exhibition honouring the survivors and victims murdered by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023, is making its inaugural stop in Canada this April beginning with a six-week installation in Toronto.
Department of Education Investigating 60 Colleges and Universities Over Antisemitism Claims
Sixty US colleges and universities are under investigation for alleged violations "relating to antisemitic harassment and discrimination," the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights said on Monday, warning of possible consequences if the institutions don’t take adequate steps to protect Jewish students.
'Darkness Will Fade,' Yuval Raphael Sings in Israel's Eurovision Entry, 'New Day Will Rise'
Israel has released the video for its 2025 Eurovision Song Contest entry, "New Day Will Rise." Performed by Yuval Raphael, it focuses on the theme of emerging from darkness.
Israel's Laetitia Beck Wins Atlantic Beach Classic Golf Tournament
Laetitia Beck, a native of Israel, won the Epson Tour Atlantic Beach Classic on Saturday by three shots at 8-under-par 205. She began the day with a three-shot lead and never let up.
Report Antisemitism and News of Concern to FSWC
If you would like to report antisemitism or news of concern to Friends of Simon Wiesenthal Center, please email advocacy@fswc.ca.
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